Implication



0. 0.4L. HIRSCH.

V SAUSAGE LINKING AND HANGING MACIIINI.4

' I APPLICATION FILED IUNE23. I9I9. 1,431,227., Patented oen-10,1922..

O. C. L. HIRSCH.

SAUSAGE LINKING A ND HANGING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED luNE 23.1919. 1,431,227, w Patented 0@t.1-0,1922.

SHEETS-SHEET T: l l

0. C. L. HIRSCH.

SAUSAGE LINKING AND HANGING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED IuIIEza. I9I9.

1,431,227, I 1 patentado@ 1o, l1922.

\ 7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

I I A I 7 57 0. C. L. HIRSCH.

SAUSAGE LINKING AND HANGING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 23y 1919.

1,431,227',v Panfea 001;. 10, 1922..

7 SHEETS-SHEET s.

gi 'i v l. l? l inw? mum:

l NIN 0. C. L. HIRSCH.

SAUS-AGE LINKING AND HANGING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 1UNE23. 1919.

1,481,223?, I Patented Oct. 10,1922.

z SHEETS-sum1 e.

0. C. L.l HIRSCH.

SAUSAGE LINKING AND HANGING MACHINE. APPLICATION mm JUNE 23. 1919.

1,431,227', Patented Oct. 10,1922.

IsuEETs-sn's L Patented Oct.v 10, 1922.

UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE.I

oTTo C. L. IIIRsCiI,` oF EvANsToN, ILLINOIS, AssIGNOR, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, To sAIisAGE LINKIN@ MACHINE CORPORATION, OI` CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION F ILLINOIS; Y

. SAUSAGE LIN'KING AND HANGING MACHINE.

Application filed June 23, 1919. Serial No. 306,234.

To all whom t may concewt:

Be it knownwthat I, OTTO C. L. HIRsCH, a citizen of Germany, residing at Evanston, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Sausage Linking and Hang= ing Machines, of which thei'ollowing is a full, clear, concise, ,and exact description, reference being hadto the accompanying l0 drawings, forming apart of this specifica-v tion. i

.. `My vinvention relates to sausage linking and hanging machines and more es ecially to a machine for receiving a lillec casing from a filling machine, separating themeat in the casing into desired sectionst. twisting one section relatively to the adjoining sec` tions and finally hanging the connected sau-` sages across a receiving stick or rod which receiving rod Or stick when filled may he replaced hy an empty stick. a

An object ofV the invention is to'provide,

in connection with a linking mechanism, a

feeding mechanism for the filled casings;

which will -feed said casing in such a manner as to prevent breaking or tearing of the casings. l .n ,i

Another object is to provide a feeding mechanism for the casings which will, du'i.

ing the feeding operation, separate the meat in the casings `into the desired equal lengths without danger of tearing the casings.

Another object is to provide a linking mechanism for receiving the casing-with its separated meat sections from the Jfeeding mechanism, twisting one section while thetwo adjoining sections are held against turning `and finally vdelivering the linked sausages to a hanging mechanism.I

Another Object is to provide a sausage linking mechanism which is cheap to construct, easy and simple to operate, entirely Another olojectl is to yprovidel a sausage` hanging mechanism which will receive the' linked sausages, .straddle them alternately @closed asmodiications of the specific structure may he required inthe manufacture thereof or may occur to those skilled in. thisart. Thereal nature and scope of the invention disclosed is to he determined from theclaims appended to this specification.

In the drawings thesame reference numerals have heenused to designate the same parts, ohviouselements of construe tion; being referred to generally and thenew elements 'oic my device heing specifically designated and described in detail.. a

Fig. l is a side elevation of the feeding and linking mechanism Ot my device showing the positions of the two devices relatively to each other; i

F ig. 2 is a detail View showing, on an enlarged scale, the construction of the block chain which supports the casings as they are led through the feeding mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation on enlarged scale and partlyA in section, of a portion of the linking device shown in Fig. 1;

`Fig. 4 is a sectional view on' approximately line 4, l of Fig. l showing an end view of the elements within the carriages which operate to twist the respective sau-v sage links; and

Fig. 5 shows part of the mechanism shown in Fig. l at the opposite limit of-its movement.y v

Figure 6 is a side view of the hanging mechanism showing' in detail, the reversing mechanism for thecarriage.

Figure 7 is a detail view partly in section, showing the distributing slide and the mechanism connectedtherewith for moving it in .Opposite directions I Fig. 8 is an elevational detailed view of the sausage receiving stick and the lugs coacting therewith.

F ig. 9 is a section takenfapproximately on line 9--9 0f Fig. 6.

Figure 10is an end view of the hanging mechanism shown in Figure 6. i

Figure 11 is 'a sectional view taken on line 11u11 of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a side ,elevation of a modi fied form of the twisting element and its driving member.

Figure 13 is an end view of the mecha nism shown in Figure 12.

My device as Aa whole comprises three separate mechanisms which operate i`n timed and regular relation, each 'operating successively on the length Vof sausage cas'- ing which i's fed through the device. The three mechanisms will be' described in the order of their operation and are constructed substantially as follows:

Feeding mechanism.

:The first or so-called feeding mechanism of my devifce is supported with any suitable standards orl supports .(not shown) and comprises a drive shaft 1 anda cooperating shaft2 located l'horizontally infront thereof. The 'shaft 1 has secured thereto a sprocket 3 and la similar sprocket is mounted on the shaft 2. Traversing these sprockets in an endless patli is 'a block chain which supports the sausage casing when it is introduced into the machine,

This chain is constructed as shown in Fig- 2and comprises Aa series of blocks 5 each provided with two plates 6 rigidly secured thereto at one e'nd and an ek'tension 7 'at its 'other end.. Only one plate 6 is shown in Fio. :i but it is to be understood that asimilar plate is used on the opposite side of the bleek 5. T lie plates 6 and the extension 7 are pro vided with fa-lined openings to receive a pivot pin or bolt S. T-hefpl'ates 6 and extensions 7 are positioned some dist-ance below the surface of the blocks '5 so as to permit ready* travel 'of the blocks yaround the sprockets 'Ii andfl but to prevent saggiiigof the chain or blocks betwen Ythe sprockets. F ig. 2 shows that when the yblocks a're horizontal the adjoining faces `are in firm contact and 4the c-hai,ntherefore provides `-a solid and almost, rigid horizontal support for the casings C. The blocks are provided on their sides adjacent the sprockets '8 and e with suitablv formed projections Lto 'engage the teeth oif the sprockets. These are clearly show-n Fic. 2.

j ooperat-ing 'with the above described block chain, is a second lchain 9 running in an endless p'ath around sprockets 10 hnd 151 supported respectively by shafts 12 and The Ysprocket A10 is Ykeyed to shaft 12 and the shaft 12 has secured thereto a gear' 14C which meshes with and receives motion from gear 15 rigidly secured to shaft 1. This upper chain 9 is an ordinary link chain tensioned around the sprockets 10 and 11 but if so desired, it may be constructed of blocks 5 as shown in lFig. 2 for the lower hl The upper chain has attached thereto at desired spaced intervals, a series of blocks "or pads -1'6 preferably made of soft rubber. Any suitable 'means may be used to secui'e these blocks to the chain. To further increase the yielding or resilient properties of the blocks 16 and to cause them to l'more effectively separate 'th'e meat in the casin'gs without tearing the casings, they are made Ahollow as shown in Fig. i. As the casing is fed between the chains, the high est point of .the block 16 moving lcounterclockwise around the sprocket 10 'comes into Contact with 'the lcasing. As 'the block and casing advance the block is forced into the casinfgnand naden-s 'out due to the pressure exerted thereon. This flattening out ofthe blue-1; i'e causes the meat 'to be separated intosetiens with empty 'portions 0i' the casing between them. .These empty portions ferm the' closed twisted ysections between the sausage links.

The fee'din-g mechanism is 'driven from the linkiiig `mechanis-in by means of a sprocket chain 17 traversing suitable sprock-4 ets on 'the shafts i and 38. The speed 'offthe feeding mechanism is fsii-glitly vlgreater than that 'or the linking mechanism in Order that enough 'si-ack lgeprovfi'ded iin t/he cas ing 'C to allow for the contration inlits length due 'to the twisting of the Y casing between the sausage li'nks. This "'diiference in speed is readily obtained by proportionifn'g'tliesizes of 'the 'spieckets engaging' 'the chain 17. l

F or the s'alke lof clearn'ess the supporting means lfor t-life shafts `i, 2, 12 and 13 have not been shewn but any suitable means may be provided to support the Enieehafnis'ni in the relative position shown. The shaft 1 is positioned advance 'of the shaft 12 so that a portion of the block lor lower chain will extend 'in front 'of the chain 9. The end `of the casing 'C may be placed on this exposed position o'f the lower *chain and thus readily introduced into the machine.

Linking mechanism.

fositione-d iii advance cf and below the feeding mechanism is the so-called linking mechanism. `ft is vto 'be understood however th'aft the Afeeding 'dfei'f'ice described above is also really a part ofthe linking mechanism .inasmuch fas 'the blocks 1'6 separate'the meat vinto sections which inaily constitute the sausage links. The two mechanisms have been ter/ined differently and described sepa-i'a'tefly Iniereiy to simplify the 'description andto set'forth the fundamental operation of` each. .The two. devices cooperate in their entiretics and each' is necessary to the successful operation of the other. f y Suitable standards are provided to support the mechanism but as these may be changed to meet the needs of the existing case theyare-not specifically described, but are referred to only as becomes necessary in the description of the more important elements of the device. j

The linking mechanism comprises princi- .pally a series of dissimilar carriages 2O and 21 for receiving,conveying and twisting the sausages. These carriages are arranged end to end and are pivotally connected by means of hinge elements 22. shown as comprising an eye bolt on the carriage 2l `connected to a loop or staple on carriage20.y Any other means of pivotal connection mayof course be used. There are two of these pivoted elements at each end of .each carriage, one placed near each side of thecarriage.

The construction of the carria'ge121 is clearlyshown in Figs. 3 and 4, Fig. 3 showing a side view, partly in section and Fig. 4 showing partly in. dotted outline, an end view of the carriage. The carriage comprises a block having a V-shaped ygroove 22in its upper surface to receive and support asausage section. A; groove 23 is also providedin its lower side to provide space forv the passing of certain-elements later to be described. yThe carriages l2l are supported only by means of the pivoted con-y nections 22 and constitute connecting links between the carriages 20. v

The carriages 2() are shown in detail in Figs.- 3 and 4 and comprise end plates 24 connected rigidly together by means of side bars 25 shown in Fig. 3. The plates 24 are provided with U-shaped openings 26 `which permit the sausages to drop into the carriage. These openings are in alinement with the grooves 22 of carriages 2l.. The plates 24 are also provided with circular grooves 27 into which lit circular ribs 28 formed one on each end of a twisting-element 29 which will be described later. v

VThe end platesare curved upifiardly as shown at 30to provide clearance for certain elements which willfbe described later and the sides of these platesqare extended outwardly as shownl at to'provide'mountings for the pivotal bearings 32 of guide rollers Each carriage 29 is therefore provided with four supporting and guiding rollers 33 which rollers cause the carriages 2O to travel with a steady motion. The carriages 2l ben ing supported by vcarriages 2Ov partake of anymovements imparted to the latter carriages. i

The pivots 32 at the forward ends of two ofthe carriages 20ers extended as shown at shafts 38 `and 40 are supported by suitablel standards shown in Fig. l.

-. VThe twisting element 29 referred to above is constructed as shown in detail in Figs. 3, 4, and 5. This element has extending thereh through a U-shaped groove to receive and hold the sausage. ',The centralA portion of this element is hollowed out as shown' in Figs. 3 and 4 at 41 and this space accommodates mechanism for firmly holding the sausage against rotation in the element. This holding mechanism comprises ythe following elements. A; U-sliaped plate 42 extends from end to end of the element 29. Pivoted` to the sides of this U-shaped plate? 42 are bell crank levers 43 shown clearly in Figs..`4 and 5. These bell cranks are pivoted to suitable brackets 44 extending from the plate 42. Springs 45 tend to hold these bell cranks 43 in the position shown in 4. The levers 43 have extending therefrom holding elements preferably in the form of bristles 46, which may be made of thin steel wire if so desired. Ordinary stiff bristles of any kind may, however be used. The purpose of these bristles is tohold the sausage firmly at the position of the U-shaped plate 42 so that the sausage will rotate with the element 29. The bristles are yielding and therefore accommodate themselves to any size of casing which be passedV through the machine. The'bell crank levers 43 are operatively connected by means of togglemembers 47 which members are curved and brought together beneath the U-shaped plate 42. A pivot pin 48l connects the ends of these toggle members 47 and'to this pivot is secured a vertically movable member 49which extends down'- wardly so that its lower end, `when in normal position7 is in line withthe outer cir-y cumference of the element '29. This member 49 is guided in its .vertical movement by means of a guide bar 50'which extends into a slotl'in the member.Y 49 asis clearly sho-wn.' in Fig. The lower end of the member 49 is provided with a roller 52, the purposeofwwhich will be later explained. On the side of the member 49 is a projecting lug 53 which is adapted to be engaged by a locking dog 54 controlled by the curved leaf with the lug 53. The dog 54 is provided with an extension 56 at its lower end, the purpose of which will be described later.

The carriages are guided in their m'ovements by means of suitable bracket mechanism shown in Fig. 4. This bracket mechanism comprises an ove-rhanging element 57 provided with a downwardly 'extending V- shaped edge 58 and 'an underlying element 59 provided with an upwardly extending V-sha-ped guiding edge 60. The edges 53 and 60 engage in V-shaped grooves in the guiding rollers 33. This bracket .mechanism is elliptical in shape and extends around the sprockets 37 and 39 as shown in'Fig. 1, andy f guide the carriages at all stations of their movement. Extending fr'om one bracket mechanism to the other is a cross bar 61 shown clearly in Fig. 4, which cross bar supports an upwardly extending bracket 62. The bracket carries at its lupper end a cam 63 adapted to engage the roller 52 at the lower end of the memberl 49. This cam 63 is shaped as shown in F 3 and as the carriages 2O pass ther'eover the cam engages roller 52 which is then in the position shown in Fig. 5 and raises the roller together with the member 49 upwardly to the pos'ition shown in Fig. 4. This causes the dog 54 to lock the member 49 in its raised position. As the member 49 is raised by the cam as just described, the vtoggle members 47 4act upon the bell crank levers 43 and swing them from the position shown in Fig. 5 tothe position shown in Fig. 4. This movement of the bell crank levers 43, toggle members 47 and members 49 occurs shortly after the sausage has entered the U-shaped 'plate 42. The position of the cam 63 relatively to the shaft 38 and 'the entrance point of the sausage is clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

After the sausages are thus securely clamped in the twisting element 29 the carriage advances to a position where it' will be engaged by a suitable turning member 64 shown in Figs. l and 4. There are two or more of these turning members 64 as shown in Fig. l so that the sausage will, during its travel through the machine, be subjected to a plurality vof twisting movements. These turning members 64 are mounted upon and keyed to a shaft 65 which is located Iabovev but vto one side of the path of the carriages 20. This shaft 65 is supported as shown in Fig. 1. and has secured to its upper end a beveled :pinion 66 which meshes with a second beveled pinion 67 secured to the upper Iend of a shaft T68. This shaft 68 extends vdownwardly and has secured to its lower end a beveled pinion 69 which meshes with a further beveled pinion 70 secured to .the shaft 38. As the shaftl 38- is driven motion is imparted therefrom VYto the shaft 65 'and the turning members 64.:v These turning members 64 are constructed as The twisting element 29 is provided with a series of radially extending teeth or projections 73 as shown in Fig. 4 which projections are adapted to befengaged by the roller members 72 on the turning'member 64. As the carriage 2O advances the projections 73 are brought into the path of movementof the roller members 72 and are engaged and turned thereby until Athe 'carriage 2O moves the projections 73 beyond the path of movement of the. roller members 72; During this movement a sausage is subjected to a rapid twisting movement. Two of the turning members 64 are shown so that the sausage is subjected to a second similar twisting movement as the 'carriage advances into the path of the second set of roller members 72. After the carriages 20 have passed the second turning member 64 and ythe twisting operation is-completed, it is necessary to open the bell crank levers te permit the sausage to fall out of the twisting element 29. This opening movement of the bell crank levers 43 is brought about as follows: Positioned above the shaft 40 and beyond the turning member 64 is a second cam member 74 shaped 'as clearly shown in F ig. 5. This cam member 74 is supported. upon a cross bar 75 extending between the two carriage guides. This I"cam member 74 engages the extension 5'6 of the dog 54 and moves it to the position shown in Fig. 5, thus allowing the member 49 to be moved downwardly by the springs 45. These springs 45 normally tend to hold the bell crank levers 43 in the position shown in Fig. 5, hence when the dog 54 releases the member 49 the bell crank levers will swing to a position where the bristles 46 will be drawn out of the space between the side walls of the U-shaped plate 42. This will permit the sausages to drop out of the twisting elements 29 as the element moves around the lower side of the sprockets 39. It might be here stated that the bristles 46 do not extend the entire length of the bell crank levers 43 but are formed in bunches or sections as is clear from Fig. 3 of the drawings. These bunches of bristles pass through suitable slots 76 provided in the side walls of the Lil-shaped plate 42.

In order to prevent turning movement of the twisting element 29 during their passage around the ends and bottom' of the guides 57 and 59 the following mechanism is provided. ()ne of the teeth or projections 73 is provided with. an extension 77 which is clearly shown in Fig. 4. This extension engages a guide 78 which guide begins at a point directly above the cam 74, extends around the sprockets 39 and 37 and to a.

point slightly in 4advance of the cam '63. The long tooth 77 engaging this guide prev ents any movement of thetwisting element 29 during its travel beyond the turning members 64. Y

`The guide elements 57 and 59 may besupported on arms extending from.A the standards which'support the shafts 38 and 40 as shown in Fig. 4

In Figs. 12 and 13 I have shown a'modiication of the device wherein the-'twisting elements `are rotated by .means of a rotatable member 160 secured to the shaft 65 and provided with spirally arranged projecting ribs 161. It will be clear'from Fig. 12 that the `pitch of the ribs 161 decreases toward the lower end of member 65. 'Ihe result of this construction 'is lthat the twisting ele` ment is rotated slowly at first and then more rapidly as the carriage advances. I'

In this modification thev carriages 21 are the same as in the irstmodificati'on but' the twisting elements 292l of the carria-ges'20a aresomewhat changed. The interior mechanis'm is the jsame as that vshown in Figs. 4

`and 5` but the teeth 7 3 arereplacedby projecting' members 7 8a having-rollers" 165 at their ends to engage the spiral ribs 161 of member 160. .The twisting elements 29a are rotated during the entire time'y they 'travel past member 160. This time is short yas the machine operates rapidly and'willtwist apa proximately ten links per second.

tmgng mechanism.

After dropping out ofthe carriages .20`

the sausages y pass downwardly through a suitable opening 80 in a slidable member 81.

"Ihis slidable member' 81 has a vdove tail connection with thebase orsupport of the machine isrclearly shown in Fig. 8 ofthe drawings. The opening' 80 is made funnel shape so that the sausages will be readily guided therethrough. Bigidly secured to this slide 81 is a vertically extending standard 82. Pivoted tothis standard at `83 is a lever 8dprovided "with a yslot 85wvl1ich 'engagesa pin 86 in a suitable standard' 87a i secured to the base of the machine. When the'lever 8Llis in verticalpositionritsupper end is higher than the upper end ofjthe standard 82 Vsecured .to the slide 81:` The standard 82 and lever 8a serve to'impa-rt sliding movements in eithervdirection to the slide 81 in order to distribute the sausages across a receiving and supportingstick later to be described. movements of the slide 181 thel following means are used. shaft 87 has secured to its upper endan arm 88 which is adapted to engage the upper end ofthe lever 84. An .oppositely extending arm 89 is providedonthe shaft 87,"this l arm having a downwardly extending end which is adapted to engage the standard 82.

In order to effect these A vertically positioned'y Thisijshaft92- extends horizontally and has secured to its other end a gear 93 which is driven from a suitable gear ony the `lower shaft 40j As the shaft 92 rotates, the arms 88 andc89. swing around yin a horizontal plane and engage alternately'the lever 84 andthe standard 82. Vhenthe lever 84 is inthe position shown in Fig. 7` the arm f 89 movesV around and engages the'standard 82 and moves itto the left in Fig. 7; This y willcausewa movement ofV th'efslide-Sl to-` ward'the left, fand as the standard'82 movesv with the `slide `81 it is carried to a pointinvertical alignment with the-pin 86. 'At the same time ythe lever' 84', dueto its connection with the slide, will be moved to verti# cal position. As the arm 88 ymoves around in regular time it engages the upper end of the lever 'and moves the slide 81 back to its position` shown in Fig.'7. The arm 89' is sofshort that it' does not engage the lever 84. n l' v f Positioned beneath the base of theflinking vmecham'sm described "above, and below the slide 81, is f the hanging mechanism proper. This mechanism comprises suitable side frames 94C connected by means "of cross bars 95. These Vcross bars 95 form guiding supports for a carriage Mmechanism' which y will now be described.v This carriage mechanism 96'comprisessuitable sideframes 96a connected by cross members 97. The lower ends Yof the' side frames are provided with' rollers98 and 99 which engage vabove f and belowth'e yguides The rollers` 98 and 99 are suitably connected and supported' by plates 100. shown'clearly in Fig. 6. `This double support of theside` frames of the carriage prevents displacementwo-f the carriage. l At the top ofthe side frames 96a are'shafts 101 and 102 provided with suitable sproclretsf103 vand 104: around which travel suitable supporting chains 105 whichv receive and hold the supporting st iclrs 106, across which the sausages are'distribu'tedr bythe slide 81. The sticks 106 are con-I tained in a suitable hopper 107 and are removedtherefrom by lugs`108v rigidly secured 'to the chain 105. Asthe chain moves forwardly the lugs 108 rengage the lowermost stick in thehopper and move it therefrom fand carry; it4 to a position Vbeneath the slide 81. As theslide moves back and forth it distributes the sausages across the stick 106 as isshow'n in Fig.- 6. The movements ofthe slide 81fare preferably-so timed thatfour sausages( will be lowered on oneside of the stick 106 and four on the opposite side. This number, of course. may be-varied. and will necessarily vary according` to the length and size .of the sausages acte'dupon.

In order to' prevent piling lup of the sausages aty one part of thestiek, the follow* ingfmechanism is, used.. .The carriage 96 is moved transversely of the path of movement ef the slide 81 by means of a spirally threaded rotatableshaft 109 which engages a downwardly extending threaded member 110 sef mesh withl a gear 11T secured to the shaft 111. The lever 113 is provided with a further upwardly extending lug 118 which supports a.

gear 119 constantly in meshvwith thesaid gear 117. Secured to an end plate of the sup-port for the carriage mechanism is a` stub shaft 1270 forming the pivot of an idle gear 121 which gear is normally in mesh with a 122 secured to the shaft 109 asshown in Fig. 6. The gears 116, 117 and 12,2. are in mesh and this train of gearing will cause rotation of the spirally threaded shaft 109, in onedirection. When the lever 113; is moved in a direction to raisethe weight 111 by mechanism later to be described; the vgear 119; will be moved into mesh with the gear 121 and the gear 116 will be moved out of mesh with the gear 122.

This of gearing 117, 119. 121, and 122v will cause rotation of the shaft 10.9 in the opposite direct-ion. These different rotations of the shaft 109 will cause the carriage 96 to .move in opposite directions. that is, from its position shown in Fig. 10vtoward the leftV along the guides 95 and back again.

The carriage 96 is provided with suitable bearingsin which rotates a shaft 123 having secured thereto-at one end cam bloclr. 121 provided with a slet 125, and at its other end a. cam block 126 provided with a cam slot127. Shaft 123 loosely supportsa large. gear 128,-meshingwith a smaller gear 129 secured to one end of the shaft 102 previously referred to. Secured to the yshaft 123 adjacent gear128 is an arm 130 having at its outer end a spring controlled pawl 131, which engages the teeth of the gear 128. When the armv 130 moves clockwise in Fig. the `pawl engages the teeth yon gear y128 andthe gear moves with the arm.V /Vhen the arm returns7 the `pawl 131 rides idly over the gear teeth. l

end 91 the supporting frame is provided with a pin 132,"adapted to engage the cam s1ot-12'iand the other end of the Pivoted on frame is provided with a pin 133 ,adapted'to engage the cam slot 125,. As the carriage 96 moves to theleft in Fig. 10 and approaches the limit of its movement, the cam slot 12T engages pin 132 and as thefcarriage completes its movement to the left, the;k pin 132 and slot 127 cooperate yto rotate shaft 123 and arm 13.0. This results in rotationl of gears 128 and 1297 shaft102 and sprockets 101, and consequent movement, to the left in Fig. of chains 10.5.and the filledstick 106 carried thereby. At the same time succeeding lugs 10.8 on the chains remove a new stick from the hopper 107 and position it beneath the slide 8L As the carriage 96 approaches the limit of its movement to the left in Fig. 10, roller 150 at the' right end of the carriage 96 engages the upwardly turned end of a lever 131, pivoted at 13.5 to a suitable standard 136. This causes the other end of lever 131 to engage a cam face 137 on a hook-shaped member 1387 lmoving it to the right against the action of spring 139. The member 138 engages a pin 110 on av slide 111, movable vertically in a guideway 112.4 rlhe slide has extending from one side thereof a pin 113, which engages in an loblong' slot 111 in one end oflever 113. The weight 111 tends to move the slide 111 vertically and will cause such movement of the slide as soon as .ineinber 138l releases pin 110. The slide 111 has a third pin 115, extending in the saine di.- rection as pin 111. This third pin engages in an oblong slot 116 in one end of a lever 117, ypivoted at 135. The lever has a cam surface 118 adapted to be engaged by the roller 150 previously referred to as the carriage 96 approaches the limit of its movement to the right in Fig.10, ,This causes a depression of lever 117 and a consequent downward movement of slide 111 and the attached end of lever 113 against the action of weight 111. This saine movement of lever 113 causes a shifting of the gears and a change indirection of rotation of shalt 109, thereby causing carriage .96 to begin its travel in the opposite direction.

As the carriage approaches its limiting position at the right in Fig. 10, pin 133 engages cain slot 125 and causes rotation of shaft 123, arm 130 gears 128 and 129, and sprockets 101 thereby causing the filled stick 106 to be carried away as lpreviously de scribed.

The roller 150 is conveniently supported by a downwardly extending arm 1517 attached to carriage 96 asshown in Figs. 6 and 10. A spring 152 is provided to keep right end of lever 131 normally below cam 137.V Y

The distance between the center lines of plates 21 will be equal to the length of the respective links of sausages. If sausages of different rlengths are to .be made, the carriage lolo 2() and 21 may be replaced by other similar carriages of the desired length. The inclination of the guides 57 and 59 may be varied as desired; in fact the device will operate successfully if the guides are placed horizontally. `The diameter of t-he twisting elements 29'will remain the same in carriages 20 of` diferent lengths. The space between the walls of the U-shaped plate l2 will be equal to the diameter of the largest casing to be made in the machine. The bristles 46 accommodate themselves .to casings ofall diameters within the range of the machine and as they enter the space between the walls of plate 42 near the top `they will serve to force the casing to the :and a feeding mechanism adapted to feed a casing to the linking mechanism in a slack condition.

i 2. A sausage linking mechanism comprising a twisting mechanism, and means for feeding a casing to the twisting mechanism in a-slack condition` in order to prevent tearing of the casing during the .twisting operation. y

3. A sausage linking mechanism comprising a twisting mechanism and means to separate the meat in a casing into sections and feeding said sections to the twisting mechanism in a slack condition so as to prevent tearing of the casing during the twisting operation. l y

v 4. A sausage'linking mechanism comprising a feeding mechanism and a twisting mechanism, said feeding mechanism running at a speed greater vthan the speed of travel of the `twisting mechanism.

5. A feeding mechanism for a sausage linking and hanging machine comprisingVV cooperating endless conveyors, one `of said conveyors having a series of yeldable meat separating blocks secured thereto, said blocks being made of cushioning material and having a central opening to increase the yieldability thereof,

6. A sausage linking machine comprising va twisting mechanism having a series of carriages provided with twisting mechanism connected end to end to form an endless conveyor said conveyor being provided with guiding means for the carriages so that the path of movement of said conveyors has straight portions and curved lportions connecting the straight portions.

7. A lfeeding mechanism for a sausage linking and hanging machine comprising a supporting conveyor, a cooperatingl conveyor provided with a series of spaced resilient meat-separating blocks secured thereto, and means for causing said conveyors to operate in timed relation.

8. Ausausage linking and hanging machine comprising a forwardly travelling twisting mechanism, ya feeding mechanism associated therewith and means to impart a plurality of twisting `movements to said twisting mechanism.

9. A sausage linking and hanging machine comprising a twisting mechanism having a series of carriages linked end to end to form any endless conveyor for the sausages, said conveyor having straight runs.

10. A sausage linking and hanging machine comprising a twistinu mechanism having a series of alternate dissimilar carriages pivotally connected end to end to form an endless conveyor for the sausages.

11. A sausage linking and hanging machinel comprising a series of alternate dissimilar carriages connected end. to end to form an endless conveyor for the sausages, certain'of the alternate carriages having a rotatable twisting element adapted to twist a section of the sausage supported thereby.

12. A sausage linking and hanging ma-t chine `comprising a series of alternate dissimilar carriages connected endto end to form an endlessconveyor for the sausages, certain of the alternate carriages having grooves in their upper surfacev to provide a support for the sausages.

13. A sausage linking and hanging machine comprising a series of alternate dissimilar carriages connected end to end" t0 form an endless conveyor for thesausages, certain `of the alternate carriages having grooves in their uppersurface to provide a support for the sausages between the other carriages.

14,` A sausage linking machine comprising a series of alternated supporting and twisting carriages linked together to form an endless chain conveyor, said conveyor be-v which said: rollers are. adapted to. travel, and means for connecting the supporting carriages. tothe twisting. carriages.

17. A sausagey linking and hanging machine comprising a series of alternate supporting and twisting carriages, said supporting. carriagesA being Supported only by said. twisting.v carriages.

18. A sausage linking. and` hanging. machine comprising a series oli alternate'supporting and twisting. carriages. connected end to end and guiding. means for only the twisting carriages.

i9'. A sausage linking. and hanging. machine comprising. a twisting carriage havingmounted thereon atwisting. element provided with means to receive and hold a sausage and means for turning. said twisting element on the carriage.

20. A sausage linking and: hanging machine comprising. a twisting carriage havingy mounted thereon a twisting element, a U- shaped plate. secured to. said element for receiving Va sausage and means to. clamp. the sausage in said plate.

2l. A sausage linking and hanging machine comprising a twisting carriage having mounted thereon a twisting. element, a U- shaped plate secured to said element for receiving a sausage, means to. clamp the sausage in said plate and means to rotate said element on said carriage.

22. A sausage linking. and hanging machine. comprising a carriage having mount` ed; thereon a twisting element, a U-shaped plate secured to said element for. receiving the sausage, bell-crank levers pivoted in-said element, bristles projecting from said levers through openings in said plate and adapted when said levers arein one position to clamp the sausage in said plate.

A sausage linking and hanging machine comprising a carriage having. mounted thereonI a. twisting, element, a Lil-shaped plate secured; to said: Velement for receiving the sausage, bell crank levers pivoted in said element, bristles projecting from said levers through. openings in said plate and adapted when said levers are in one position tov clamp the sausage in, said pla-.te and means to rotate-said element on said carriage.

2e. A sausage linking and hanging mechanism, comprising. endless guides, a series of alternate dissimilar carriages traveling on said guides, twisting elements mounted upon certain. ofsaid carri/ages and means located abovethe pat-h ot travel of said carriages to rotate said twisting elements.

25. A sausagelinking and hanging mecha.- nism comprising endless guides, a series of carriages traveling on.l said guides, twisting elements mounted upon certain of said carriages, means for vmoving. saidcarriages along. said guides, and means located adjacent to. path of travel of said carriages. to rotate said twisting. elements.

26. A sausage linking and hanging. mechanism having a'twisting carriage comprising endA plates rigidly secured together, 'means on said end pl-ates for supporting a twisting.

element, a twisting element, means on said elements for clamping a sausage. therein, and means to rotate said` element.

2T. A sausage. linking and hanging mechanisin having in combination a twisting carriage comprising. end. plates rigidly secured. together, circular'. grooves in said end plates,

a twistino' element circular.' ribs on the ends of' said elements adapted to engage said grooves, and: means for rotating said. element.l

said element for supp'ortingy a sausage, belrl-V crank levers provide with bristles adapted to clamp thefsausage in said plate, toggle members connecting said members, and a slidable member. pivotally connected to said toggle members. l i

80. A sausage linking. and hanging mechanism having a twisting carriage comprising end plates rigidly secured together, a twisting element, means for supporting. said element on said plates, a U-shaped plate in said element for supporting a sausage, slots in said: plate, bell-crank levers provided with` bristles adapted to pass through said slotsv andI clamp the sausage in said plate, a slidable member operatively connected to said levers, and means for moving` said slidabltemember to cause said bristles to clamp the. sausage in said plate.

3l. A sansagelinking and hanging mechanism comprising a twisting carriage having end plates rigidly. secured, together, a twisting. element mounted on said plates, a U- shaped plate in said element for supporting. a sausage, bell-crank levers provided with bristles adapted to clamp the sausage in said plate, a slidable member operatively connected to said levers, means for moving said slidable member. to cause said bristles to clamp the sausage in said plate, and means to hold.. said bell-crank leversy inl their clamping position.

.32. A sausage linking and hangingv machine having, in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, a slide provided with a funnel-shaped opening adapted to receive the linked sausages from the twisting mechanism, a receiving stick for the sausages and meansto periodically move said slide to cause sausages to hang on alternate sides of the receiving stick.

33. A sausage linking and hanging machine having in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, a slide provided with a funnel-shaped opening adapted to receive the linked sausages from the twisting mechanism, a receiving stick for the sausages, means to periodically move said slide to cause sausages to hang on alternate sides i of the receiving stick, and means to move said stick longitudinally in a direction at right angles tothe direction of travel of the slide. i

34. A sausage linking and hanging machine having in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, ,a slide provided with an `openin adapted to receive the linked sausage rom the twisting mechanism, a receiving stick for the sausages, means to periodically move said slide to cause sausages to hang on alternate sides of the receiving stick, means to move said stick longitudinally in a direction at right angles to the direction of travel of the slide, and means to move said stick laterally away from said opening when said stick has reached the limit of its motion in either direction.

35. Asausage linking and hanging machine having in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, a slide provided with an opening adapted to receive the linked sausages from the twisting mechanism, a receiving stick for the sausages, means to periodically move said slide to cause sausages to hang on alternate sides of the receiving stick, means to move said stick longitudinally in a direction at right angles to the direction of travel of the slide, and means to move said stick laterally away from said opening when said stick has reached the limit of its motion in either direction and position an empty stick beneath said opening.

36. A sausage linking and hanging machine having in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, and a hanging mechanism `comprising a laterally bodily movable carriage, means on said carriage to support a receiving stick forthe sausages below the twisting mechanism, and

means to move said carriage laterally of said twisting mechanism.

37. A sausage linking and hanging machine having in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, and a hanging mechanism comprising a laterally `movable carriage, and means to move said carriage in either direction. i

38. A sausage linking and hanging machine' having in combination a-feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, and a Yhanging mechanism comprising a laterally movable carriage, means to move said lcarriage in either ydirection and reversing mechanism for changing the direction of travel of said carriage.

39. A sausage linking and hanging machine having 'in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, and a vhanging mechanism comprising a laterally movablyreceiving carriage, means on'said carriage to supporta receiving stick below 'said twisting mechanism, means to move said carriagey laterally of` said twisting v4mechanism, and lmeans tomove said supporting means'to carry the stick away from `the 'twisting mechanism when the carriage 'reaches the vlimit of its motion 1n either movable receiving carriage, a hopper for receiving sticks, chains on said carriage provided with lugs adapted to remove a stick from said hopper and position it beneath said twistino` mechanism, means to move said carriage laterally of said twisting mechanism, and means to move said chains to carry the stick away from the twisting mechanism when the carriage reaches the limit of its motion in either direction.

4l. A sausage linking and hanging machine having in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, and a hanging mechanism comprising a laterally movable receiving carriage, guides for said carriage, a spirally threaded shaft for moving said carriage in either direction along said guides, a reversing mechanism for controlling the direction of rotation of said shaft, and means on said carriage for causing said reversing mechanism to change the direction of rotation of said shaft when the carriage reaches the limit of its motion in either direction.

42. A sausage linking and hanging machine having in combination a feeding mechanism, a twisting mechanism, and a h anging mechanism comprising a laterally movable receiving carriage, mechanism for causing said carriage to move in either direction. and means on said carriage for causing a change in direction of rotation of said last named mechanism when the carriage reaches the limit of its motion in either direction.

43. A receiving carriage for a sausage linking and hanging machine comprising means for receiving and holding a sausage receiving stick, means for guiding said carriage, means for moving said carriage' along said guiding means, reversing mechanism for said moving means, and means on said carriage for causing the reversing mechanism to change the direction of rotation of said moving means.

44. A receiving carriage for a sausage linking and hanging machine, comprising means for receiving and holdin a sausage receiving stick, guidesv for said carriage means for moving the carriage along said guides, and means for movingV said stick and its supporting means when the carriage reaches thevlimit of this movement in either direction.

l 45. A receiving carriage for a sausage linking and hanging .machine comprising movable chain member-s for receiving and supporting a sausage receiving stick, kguides for said carriage, means for moving the carriafge in either direction along said guides, and means for moving said chain members and stick on said carriage when the carriage reaches the limit of its motion in either direction.

: 46'. A sausage linking machine comprising a series of alternated supporting and twisting carriages linkedtogether to form an endless chain conveyor, said conveyor being mounted so as to have straight portions and curved portions, and means for imparting a rotary movement to said twisting carriages when said carriages are moving along the straight portions of said conveyor.

` A7.' A sausage linking and hanging Inachine comprising a twisting carriage having a twisting element mounted thereon, a channel-shaped plate secured to said element for receivinga sausage and means for holding .the sausage in said channel.

48. A sausage linking and hanging machine comprising a carriage having a twisting' element mounted thereon, a channelshaped plate secured to said element for receiv'ing the sausage, bellfcr'ank levers pivoted in said element, member-s projecting from said levers *throughy openings in said/plate .andl adapted when said levers are in one polsition to clamp the sausage in the channel of said plate. A

`In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name .this 9th day of June, A. D. 1919.

orro c. L. HinsoH; 

